If Jin Guangyao harbors resentment against him now, Lan Xichen believes he's been forgiven. As much as he's struggled to understand and come to terms with his younger brother's actions, he's been hoping to find some sign of forgiveness for his own. And having Jin Guangyao's smile again gives him the first real relief he's had since losing him. Even if it's only a dream and he doesn't see the other man come through the mirrors, he feels that this is a sign that his world may come together again. He's still tired and worn down from everything, but the smile that he finally finds is more like himself than he's been in a while.

"It will be different this time," he promises. "There are no sects to impress, and every witch learns magic the same way. If anyone has anything to say against you, I will be there. You can trust me."

He holds Jin Guangyao's gaze as he says the last part, emphasizing his point. Maybe the problem in the past had been that his brother had not believed he could be trusted, the way he felt he wasn't trusted. It could be that simple, right?

He does know better, but for the moment Lan Xichen is clinging to hope just until he wakes. Then they can sort things out with the rest of the city.